Kathy Shirley

Kathy was a stay-at-home mom, devoted to her children & husband. Kathy worked in the lab at Hercules Powder Co. during WWII where explosives & smokeless powders were manufactured. She was a devout Baptist, and spent many hours each day doing Bible study. She spent many years behind an easel, her oil paintings display her superb talent. She had a great sense of humor and found good in everyone she met. Anyone who spent time with her loved her for her kindness, selflessness and endless cheerful attitude. She loved music of every genre & loved to sing!

Kathy was preceded in death July 22, 2007 by Cleve Shirley, her loving husband of 43 years; parents: Holman & Artie (Jacobs) Epperley; brothers: Melvin, Warren, and Edwin Epperley; and sister: Jean Epperley Eason.

Kathy is survived by her sons, Stewart “Kip” Welch & fiancé Sara Allison of Fischer, TX.; Craig Welch & wife Julie of Vero Beach, FL.; Daughter, Kathryn “Kitt” Cykala & husband Mark of El Campo, TX; 5 grandchildren, Stewart “Skip” Welch & wife Kelli, Krista Welch Teague & husband John, Kathryne “Katie” Welch, Nikki Miniea and Scott Warshauer; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; along with many beloved nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff, nurses and caretakers at Sodalis Assisted Living (her residence for the last 3 years) and the wonderful caring nurses, and social workers from Halcyon Hospice. All of the people who took care of our most precious mother did so in such a personal, loving & caring nature, which brought much comfort to her family.